World News
Set aside indifference, fear in order to build peace, pope tells diplomats
The pope's comments came Dec. 19 in a speech to six new ambassadors to the Vatican who were presenting their letters of credential to the pope. The new ambassadors represented Kenya, Niger, Mali, Latvia, Andorra and Seychelles.
Northern Ireland bishops ask for waiting period in new abortion law
They also demanded that abortion services, such as access to abortion-inducing pills, are kept out of Catholic schools, and that all medical personnel and pharmacists have the legal right of conscientious objection to involvement in abortion procedures.
Bishop, former chaplain to queen, to be received into Catholic Church
Bishop Gavin Ashenden of the Christian Episcopal Church will become a Catholic Dec. 22 in Shrewsbury cathedral. A Dec. 17 statement from the Diocese of Shrewsbury said Bishop Ashenden's Anglican orders will be suspended and he will become a lay Catholic theologian.
Set up a Nativity scene, pray there before Christmas, pope suggests
Putting up a Nativity scene before Christmas is a reminder to stop and remember what Christmas is really about and to prepare one's heart like a manger for the coming of Christ, Pope Francis said.
Aid agencies in Brazil face a difficult task helping Venezuelan refugees
"The stronger (refugees) came first, in 2018 and at the beginning of the year. Now we are seeing more desperate, more vulnerable Venezuelans crossing, with little money and debilitating health."
Evangelization happens in Philippine shopping malls, Cardinal Tagle says
It might be "unbelievable" to people in other countries, but a Catholic chapel inside a shopping mall and thousands of people attending Mass there have become a new norm among Filipinos.
Kenya Catholics seek donations for Muslims during Christmas season
Catholic leaders in northeastern Kenya are collecting donations to gift Muslims over Christmas season, despite attempts by al-Shabab Islamist militants to ignite a rift between the two faiths.
Pope accepts resignation of nuncio to France accused of misconduct
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Luigi Ventura, the nuncio to France, who has been under investigation for sexual misconduct in France and in Canada.
Pope lifts secrecy obligation for those reporting sex abuse
Pope Francis' decision to drop the highest level of secrecy regarding cases of clerical sexual abuse is an "epochal change" that means "transparency now is being implemented at the highest level."
Catholic climate groups vow to maintain pressure after COP25 failures
UPDATED - Catholic campaigners voiced frustration over a lack of progress at U.N. climate talks in Spain, but vowed to step up demands for firmer international action.